Sony CAS-1 - Audio system - black

High Resolution Audio

From source to speaker, Sony has brought together an array of technologies for the ultimate audio experience. For High-Resolution Audio files, the digital amp and specialized tweeters reproduce every subtlety, so you can hear each note as the artist intended.

DSEE HX upscales your music files

Take your audio experience beyond CD quality. DSEE HX builds on our proprietary DSEE technology, upscaling compressed audio files to a level closer to High-Resolution Audio. By restoring the subtleties of original recordings lost during the compression process, DSEE HX delivers a rich, studio-quality audio experience for all your music.

Recreate original sound spaces on your tabletop

The CAS-1 recreates original sound spaces from recording studio or live performance venues, giving you the live performance experience. Enjoy music playback that reveals that unfiltered sound the artists wanted you to hear.

Dual amplifiers

Two distinct amplification systems deliver outstanding High-Resolution Audio experiences the way you like to listen. The compact chassis houses two independent circuit boards for the speaker and headphone amps. Headphones and speakers have distinct amplification requirements due to their differing power outputs and proximity to the drivers. The full digital S-Master HX amplifier drives the separate speakers, reproducing dynamic and powerful sound despite its compact design. The headphone amp and separate high-end digital-analogue converter is a better solution for the isolated headphone listening experience, driving headphone sound powerfully yet precisely.

Chassis design

The CAS-1 boasts a reinforced chassis frame (outer surface and frame) and beams designed to prevent damage to the casing and circuit board and enhance sound quality. The base structure uses a combination of high-end components and sheet metal to deliver high precision. The aluminum die-cast panel provides high rigidity and low resonance, placing minimal strain on the substrate when mounted. It optimizes heat flow away from components, enhancing both sound quality and miniaturization.

Full Digital S-Master HX amplifier

This newly designed full digital amplifier is the product of over ten years of Sony digital amplifier technology development. Through a major overhaul of the noise shaper and power circuit, we achieved substantial noise reduction for high-purity playback and subtle information detail unique to High-Resolution Audio.

Pulse height volume

The CAS-1 maintains the original audio detail at lower volumes for dynamic audio even in confined spaces. Common digital amplifiers (right) shred the original music data at low volumes. Pulse height volume (left) adjusts the power supply voltage to maintain high-density sound data at low volumes. Pulse height volume reduces power supply noise (dotted red line) at low volumes, producing a cleaner sound than common digital amplifiers.

Low Volume Mode

Conventional compact tabletop speakers frequently lose the treble/bass balance of the original sound at lower volumes. Low Volume Mode optimizes these properties, reproducing the faithful balance of the original sound at low volumes.

Separated Speakers

Recording engineers position their left and right speakers to form an equilateral triangle for optimal audio monitoring. The CAS-1's near-field design lets you reproduce this layout at home for ideal stereo sound imaging.

2.5" high-rigidity carbon fiber cone woofers

Harder and lighter than fiberglass, high-rigidity carbon fiber cones combine with a powerful magnetic circuit to generate tight, powerful bass. The CAS-1 main unit is housed in a molded frame to lessen distortion, suppress unit vibrations, and create high-quality sound.

Bottom side bass reflex port

The wide flare on the bass reflex port reduces duct noise so that the bass remains tight and free of distortion, even close to the speakers.

1/2" Soft Dome Tweeter

The soft dome tweeters feature a wide-dispersion design specially developed for reproducing the ultra-high frequency audio in High Resolution Audio formats. Enjoy the added realism from reproducing subtle harmonics and sound textures not possible with conventional tabletop speakers.

High-grade painted wooden enclosure

A half-inch-thick MDF baffle board effectively stops vibrations, and birch plywood on the wrap board brings out beautiful controlled acoustic harmonic vibration. Braces reinforce the enclosure, and sound-absorbent material controls enclosure vibrations. Even the paint is specifically chosen to further suppress unwanted harmonic vibration in addition to providing a stunning gloss appearance.

8 speaker angle

Adjust the speakers to an 8 upward angle to ensure sound quality when the listener is seated 2.5 to 6.5 feet away. We designed the CAS-1 speakers to deliver better sound straight to your ears when tilted into optimal position, without unwanted reflection or interference.

Speaker base & Brass spikes

The CAS-1 audio system includes exclusive speaker accessories specially designed to avoid interference and deliver High-Resolution Audio in the near field-the area between 2.5 to 6.5 feet from the separate speakers. Install the included brass spikes to angle speakers upward an ideal 8 ° to deliver sound straight to your ears, and the included 1/4" thick steel speaker base attachments to mitigate excess reflection. These easy-to-install accessories allow you to achieve excellent acoustics in small spaces without troublesome adjustments. The CAS-1 includes everything you need to enjoy original sound space on your tabletop. Just add your favorite music to create your own soundscapes.

D/A converter (PCM1795)

CAS-1 uses the same 32-bit high-precision digital-to-analogue converter (DAC) used in Sony's acclaimed HAP-Z1ES High-Resolution Audio player. This DAC extracts High-Resolution Audio detailed sound field information from sound sources in its entirety, producing fuller, richer sound that recreates the original space.

Volume control (NJW1194)

For volume control, CAS-1 uses electronic volume (NJW1194 ) with high sound quality. NJW1194 minimizes noise and distortion at low volumes for less deterioration of sound quality. Enjoy high-quality sound faithful to the original sound space, without unwanted distortion.

Headphone amplifier (TA6120A)

The CAS-1 uses the same excellent headphone amplifier IC used in the high-precision Sony PHA-2 Portable High-Resolution Audio DAC/Headphone Amplifier to drive headphone sound powerfully and precisely. Boasting excellent drive compared to regular operational amplifiers (op-amp), this headphone amplifier can even drive high-impedance headphones to effectively reproduce high-quality sound.

Toggle outputs on and off with a relay

No expense was spared in the quest for a pure audio experience on the CAS-1. Instead of a semiconductor switch, we implemented an output toggle circuit that uses a relay with little contact resistance and good sound.

Ideal pattern design with four-layer circuit board

The CAS-1 main unit houses a four-layer circuit board that allows for ideal routings for earth and power supply patterns. Component layout is designed with a beautifully symmetrical pattern based on established high-end models for cleaner sound with less noise.

Gain toggle switch

Enjoy the best possible sound using your favorite headphones with adjustable gain control. Gain on headphones amplifiers is the maximum amount the amplifier can increase a signal. The CAS-1 features a dedicated headphone gain toggle switch to allow you to match impedance to your headphone type, enhancing the listening experience for headphones of varying impedance.

Robust headphone jack

The front side of the CAS-1 features a robust 1/8" mini plug headphone port made from high-quality metal parts. We use quality metal parts to ensure that your headphone jack fits snugly and securely each and every time. This stable connection prevents distortion and delivers uncompromising sound quality. The universal 1/8" mini plug size ensures wide compatibility so you can use the same headphones at home that you use with your Walkman^® or smartphone.

High quality wireless streaming

LDAC is a new audio technology from Sony that lets you enjoy high-quality wireless audio via Bluetooth^®. With triple the data transmitted, LDAC provides an enhanced wireless listening experience for all your music.

One-touch listening to play instant music

NFC (Near Field Communication) technology removes the need for wired connections and complex setup sequences. Simply touch your NFC-enabled smartphone or other device* to the on-body N-mark and start your music. No NFC? No problem. You can also pair the devices manually in Bluetooth^® settings.
*See compatible devices.

USB-B and USB-A

Connect your Walkman^® or PC to the rear USB-B terminal to play high-resolution sound sources. Connect Walkman^® or USB storage devices to the front USB-A terminal to play high-resolution music using the SongPal app or the included remote control. You can also charge your iPhone or other mobile devices from here.

Unite your music with SongPal

Download SongPal for your smartphone or tablet and take control of your music collection. Simply connect via Bluetooth^® and USB. Play music and view track information on a Walkman^® or USB mass storage device connected to the USB-A terminal. Also use the app to customize sound settings for great, balanced audio.